Your growing baby’s development in week 9

Help your growing baby develop in the ninth week of your pregnancy

Your growing baby’s organs are shaping up in week 9 of your pregnancy. While his or her brain continues to develop, you can support this with DHA and other nutrients.

What’s happening this week?

Your growing baby is around the size of a grape this week. His or her hands and feet are developing with tiny muscles that allow him or her to start moving and he or she looks more recognizable as a human now. Tiny little toes, ears, and even eyelids are beginning to form.

The internal organs are also shaping up, such as his or her digestive system and kidneys.

What can you expect?

Swollen or enlarged blue or dark purple veins, called varicose veins, may appear on your legs and feet during pregnancy. The following lifestyle changes may reduce the appearance of spider veins and even boost your pregnancy health:

Try and avoid standing for long periods of time.Don’t put too much weight on your legs, and try and sit with your legs up as often as you can, as this eases the discomfort.

Change your sitting posture.Crossing your legs restricts the flow of blood, which increases the likelihood of spider veins appearing. So try and not sit with your legs crossed.

Work it out.Do regular foot exercises to improve leg strength, circulation, and the stability of your veins. Please consult your doctor before following any exercise regimen.

Gentle exercise with your doctor’s advice helps create the ideal environment for your growing baby’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development – experts point out that reducing stress while pregnant has a host of benefits for developing baby’s overall health and growth.

Communicate with your developing baby even though he or she won’t be able to hear you for some time. Connecting with him or her by singing and talking to him or her throughout your pregnancy sets a strong foundation for development both in your womb and after delivery too.